Though I've seen it since (and still enjoy it thoroughly), it was back in 1968 when I first saw this magical musical in the theatre. I was eight years old and completely captivated: came out of the State imitating Oliver Twist, while my friend was likened to the Artful Dodger! Truly one of the last great musicals, it takes the viewer back to an atmospheric London of the early nineteenth century where the most colourful characters imaginable are fascinations to watch. The entire cast is sterling: Mark Lester makes a sensitive, very appealing Oliver while Ron Moody is perfect as Fagin. The rascally Artful Dodger is synonymous with Jack Wild, Bill Sikes is suitably boorish as played by Oliver Reed & Shani Wallis is a very vivacious as Nancy. The dance choreographer, Onna White did a great job with the musical numbers, and although the musical score isn't spectacular, it's certainly well sung. Particularly memorably beautiful is the scene in Mayfair where Oliver is seen looking out of his bedroom window while the various street peddlars inquire hauntingly WHO WILL BUY? Deservedly the BP AA winner of 1968, its a timeless delight full of thrills, laughter and tears.
Review of Oliver!
